Sports Law
Whether it is structuring the business behind South Coast Soccer City or securing key licensing and merchandising deals for ten-time world champion boxer, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the attorneys of Hobson Bernardino + Davis are equipped to assist a variety of clients in sports, including professional leagues and organizations, amateur and collegiate teams and clubs, team owners, athletes, venue developers, operators and managers, marketing and advertising partners and sponsors, event promoters and merchandise manufacturers. The firm advises its sports industry clients on issues involving complex commercial transactions, contract negotiations, intellectual property rights, licensing, corporate structuring, tax (including charitable and philanthropic activities), real estate, labor and employment, litigation and dispute resolution.
Our intellectual property work with sports companies as well as individual athletes, such as ten-time world champion Manny Pacquiao, includes protecting our clients’ interests and negotiating deals in a broad array of matters, including licensing broadcasting rights, team and venue sponsorships, marketing and merchandising agreements, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, e-commerce and internet services agreements, including those for application and content development.
When it comes to representing our sports-affiliated corporate clients, our focus includes initial structuring of company groups, governance, restructuring, dispositions and divestitures, acquisitions and mergers, joint ventures, capitalization and financing, league franchise matters, contract negotiation and drafting, numerous third-party and vendor agreements and transportation agreements. The attorneys of Hobson Bernardino + Davis also negotiate and prepare player and coaching staff contracts, and we assist our clients in creating appropriate employment policies and handbooks for the front office and staff. We also handle any contract or employment litigation matters or other disputes that may arise among parties in sports activities.
Regarding sports facilities and related real estate matters, our firm handles financing agreements, construction contracts, real estate acquisition, leasing and sales, capital improvements, suite and seat licensing, naming rights, signage, environmental, condemnation and waste disposal issues, alcohol and food licensing and regulations, insurance, concessions and parking agreements, security and technology services, special event contracts and operations, requests to state and municipal agencies and law enforcement, litigation and dispute resolution.
Our firm’s substantial litigation practice is also available to defend and prosecute claims for sports related clients in a full range of disputes, including responding to contract grievances, assessing and reducing liability and risk and representing clients at hearings before arbitrators and administrative agencies and in civil, criminal and tax proceedings.